Watershed Protection

Watershed Protection
Water Gremlin: How lead sinkers harm people too

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The state’s sudden closure of the troubled Water Gremlin facility (known for producing lead fishing sinkers and battery terminals) casts new light on a little-discussed risk of lead products: “take-home lead.”  >>

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Star Tribune highlights link between pheasant decline and farming

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How we farm impacts the Mississippi River — and bird populations. We can help them both. >>
 

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The end of ethanol: Future-proofing Minnesota’s cropland

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The electric vehicle transition will happen, and it has huge implications for American farms (not to mention opportunities for water quality). In the electrified world of 2050, demand for corn ethanol will have plummeted, and the agricultural economy will be nothing like the one you know today. If we invest in innovative clean-water crops now, we can improve the long-term outlook for our state’s rural economic prosperity and for our river.   >>

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Global action on hybrid and electric vehicle commitments

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We're tracking the transition to electric vehicles because moving away from ethanol production has major implications for agriculture and therefore water quality. Here's a very brief summary of recent local and global commitments towards electric vehicle incentives, requirements and production goals.  >>

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Stormwater's hidden perils

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As our climate changes and water infrastructure ages, the challenges of water management are becoming more severe. Ultimately, our changing climate means that Minnesota faces more — and more powerful — storms, leading to sewage emergencies, mega-storms, sandbagged lake houses and twelve billion-dollar price tags.  >>

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MPR: UN study says don’t worry about microplastics in drinking water – much

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Minnesota Public Radio recently highlighted a World Health Organization study on microplastics in drinking water. The conclusion: “…levels of microplastics in drinking water don't appear to be risky, but that research has been spotty and more is needed into their effects on the environment and health.”  >>
 

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Join us for MN Water Action Day • April 10, 2019

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Join us for Water Action Day 2019, a day of public action and advocacy to let lawmakers know we care about our water! #ProtectOurWater >>

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Upcoming Events

Various paddle tours and events, June 12-14
Along or in the Mississippi and Crow rivers, spanning from Minneapolis to Brainerd.
Various dates, June 1-15, 2026
All 10 states adjacent to the Mississippi River
Thursday, June 18, 2026 - 7:00pm
Luminary Arts Center, 700 N. 1st St., Minneapolis